Winter Break Family Vacation Ideas (and the Real Total Cost)

Winter break is when most families start searching for trip ideas. In the US, Google searches for "family vacation ideas" are highest from November to January. Here are six ideas that work in winter for mixed ages, from toddlers to grandparents, plus a simple way to estimate the whole cost before you pay for anything.

1. Washington, DC: free museums and an easy pace

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is free. You need a free timed-entry pass, released online on the first Wednesday of each month and each morning at 6:30 a.m. ET. In January and February, weekday walk-up entry is first-come, first-served (museum passes page). Pair one museum with a rest at your hotel, and keep each day on one part of the National Mall. See our Washington, DC family guide.

2. Grand Canyon South Rim: big views, short walks

The South Rim is open all year, and free shuttle buses run in winter. The North Rim is closed to vehicles from December 1 to May 14. Paths can be icy, so the park recommends traction devices and trekking poles (National Park Service). Grandparents 62 and older who are US citizens or permanent residents can buy a Senior Pass ($20 a year or $80 for life). A free Access Pass is available to US citizens and residents with a permanent disability (NPS passes).

3. Everglades National Park: wildlife from a boardwalk

The Anhinga Trail is a 0.8-mile round trip, part paved and part boardwalk, and the Park Service says it is wheelchair accessible. Wildlife is especially easy to see in winter, the dry season (NPS, Anhinga Trail). It's a good half-day outing with small children and older walkers.

4. Orlando: theme parks, paced for every age

Orlando works when the plan is honest about walking. Pick one park a day, plan a midday break back at the hotel, and leave an evening free. See our Orlando family guide. Check ticket prices and park hours on each park's own site, since they change by date.

5. San Diego: mild weather and flat waterfront walks

San Diego suits families who want warmth without a long flight for many US travelers. Our San Diego family guide groups each day by area, so you're not crossing the city twice.

6. A trip abroad? Check the official advisory first

Before you plan a trip outside the US, look up the destination on the U.S. State Department's travel advisories page. Levels run from 1 (exercise normal precautions) to 4 (do not travel). Some countries have different levels for different areas. For example, Mexico's advisory is set state by state (Mexico advisory). Check again before you go, because levels can change.

How to estimate the total cost before you pay

Prices change daily, so here's a method rather than a number.

1. Flights or fuel. Price everyone's flights for your exact dates, or estimate driving with your car's mileage and current gas prices.
2. Where you stay. Note the nightly rate with all taxes and fees for the number of nights.
3. Tickets and passes. List each paid stop per person, and check for free days or passes such as the NPS passes above.
4. Food. Multiply a realistic daily food budget per person by the number of days.
5. Getting around. Add the rental car, parking, transit or rideshare.
6. A cushion. Add 10% for the things nobody plans for.

Add it all up, then divide by the number of travelers to see the cost per person. That makes it easier to split the trip with grandparents or other family.

Plan it in a few minutes

Tell our planner who's going, your dates and your pace. You'll get a free trip outline and a detailed Day 1, with stops looked up on Google Maps and the official advisory shown for trips abroad. Plan your trip free — outline and Day 1.

FAQ

• Is the Grand Canyon open in winter? The South Rim is open all year; the North Rim is closed to vehicles December 1 to May 14 (NPS).
• Do I need a pass for the African American History museum? Yes, a free timed-entry pass, except for weekday walk-ups when available (museum).
• Where do I check if a country is safe to visit? Read the official U.S. State Department advisory for that country and its areas, and check again before you travel.